Of the 136 electrical complaints filed for the 2010 Volkswagen Routan,
here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 75,000-100,000 mi.
0-25k
1 (16.7%)
25-50k
1 (16.7%)
50-75k
0 (0%)
75-100k
2 (33.3%)
100-125k
2 (33.3%)
125-150k
0 (0%)
150k+
0 (0%)
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted.
Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits
and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Of the 4 model years of Volkswagen Routan we track for electrical problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 136.
Electrical accounts for 57% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 8 categories tracked.
If the ignition key inadvertently moves into the OFF or ACCESSORY position, the engine will turn off, which will then depower various key safety systems including, but not limited to, air bags, power steering, and power braking. Loss of functionality of these systems may increase the risk of crash and/or increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch and key FOBs, free of charge. The recall began on June 23, 2015. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-822-8987. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 28H1. Note: This recall supersedes recalls 11V151 and 14V396. Vehicles that previously received an ignition switch trim ring as a recall remedy must have their vehicles remedied again under this campaign. Vehicles that have already received a new ignition switch are not covered by this campaign.
Volkswagen is recalling certain model year 2010 routan vehicles manufactured from october 2009 through june 2010
An engine shutting off suddenly while driving could increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the win module free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during june 2011. Owners may contact Volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical on this vehicle — documented
repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall
(it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Service BulletinVOS-26-15Mar 2026
This is a notice for software changes with the ODIS diagnostic program to correct the communication during vehicle programming function: A software fix is needed to correct multiple test plans: All basic settings test for the following components - Fill and bleed cooling system issue, N493, J338, Camshaft, V465 etc. Use this test for all the basic setting. You will need to select the component you need to run the basic settings. But there are also stand-alone tests for each of those components.
This is a notice for software changes with the ODIS diagnostic program to correct the communication during vehicle programming function: A software fix is needed to correct a test that is not reading any information from the battery data module (BDM) and will output:
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners consistently describe sudden, unwarned engine shutdown at highway and city speeds, loss of power steering and brakes, and the need to manually restart the vehicle—often by wiggling the key. The problem recurs frequently and has caused near-misses and at least one freeway collision. Dealerships repeatedly claim inability to replicate the failure, yet owners provide videos and multiple documented instances. VW issued recalls (11V151000 in 2011, 15V194000 in 2015) but many vehicles exhibiting identical symptoms are excluded from coverage, and parts have been chronically on backorder.
Compounding the ignition problem, owners report cascading electrical failures: windshield wipers stuck on, turn signals dead, headlights intermittent, door locks and windows operating randomly. A mechanic confirmed TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) failure, noting the identical part is already recalled in Chrysler/Dodge vehicles but not in the Routan. Powered sliding doors malfunction dangerously, failing to lock when open and crushing children.
Multiple owners report their vehicles built within the recall manufacturing window but excluded from coverage by VIN range. When brought to dealerships after recall notification, parts are unavailable or on months-long backorder. One owner waited eight weeks with no ETA. Previous recall repairs often prove ineffective, with the same stalling recurring. Owners uniformly describe VW's response as a runaround: dealerships claim they cannot diagnose code-free failures, corporate offers no timeline for resolution, and out-of-pocket repair costs run $1,000–$1,500. The vehicle is literally built on a Chrysler platform with Chrysler components (including the problematic engine and TIPM), yet VW's support fails to acknowledge this reality.
Same Volkswagen Routan electrical reports on nearby years: 2009 · 2011 · 2012
Vehicle loses all electrical power and engine stalls without warning while in motion at various speeds (highway, city, low speed), often with multiple instances. Loss of power steering and brakes occurs simultaneously, creating immediate hazard. Vehicle typically restarts after the incident. Owners report this is the primary safety-critical issue affecting the 2010 Routan, with recurring complaints spanning years and multiple recalls issued without covering all affected vehicles.
When: Predominantly while driving at various speeds; some instances at startup or while stationary. Events documented from early 2010 through 2025 for vehicles purchased new and used.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shuts off abruptly while driving with no warning lights or codes; Loss of power steering and power brakes when engine dies; Loss of dashboard lighting and gauges; Vehicle restarts successfully after brief delay or key wiggle; Key becomes stuck or difficult to turn in ignition; Key falls out of ignition; Engine fails to start after multiple attempts; Remote start fails with clicking noise only; Electrical system completely loses power mid-drive
Repairs/costs cited: VW dealership replacement of WIN module (Wireless Ignition Node), ignition switch, and/or transmission connector tie. Some owners report parts on backorder for months. Previous recall repairs documented as ineffective, with same failures recurring. One owner reported dealership estimate of ~$1000 for ignition and gear shifter replacement. Corporate technician solution of installing transmission connector tie proved ineffective per owner reports.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 11V151000 issued March 2011 (amended May 2011) with VIN range cutoff in June 2010; Recall 15V194000 issued April 2015. Owners repeatedly report their vehicles exhibit identical symptoms but are excluded from recalls despite VIN built during or very near recall manufacturing dates. Dealerships consistently report inability to duplicate issue, refuse to perform repairs without active recall, and cite parts on backorder. VW corporate response characterized as runaround with no commitment to resolution. VW told multiple owners vehicle not covered despite identical failure mode to recalled vehicles. Backorder parts delays documented at multiple dealerships with waits of 8+ weeks and no ETA provided.
TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) electrical failure
Integrated power module fails causing multiple simultaneous electrical system malfunctions. Owners note this is a Chrysler-origin part (same part used in recalled Chrysler/Dodge vehicles) installed in the Routan, but Routan not included in Chrysler TIPM recalls. Symptoms span dashboard gauges, interior and exterior lighting, accessory controls, and can affect engine starting and stalling.
When: Issues documented from 2010 purchase through 2021+, with frequency and severity increasing over vehicle lifetime. One owner reports issues since purchasing in 2015.
Symptoms owners cite: Intermittent headlights (will not turn on, flash on and off, work intermittently); Dashboard gauges fail (speedometer, fuel gauge); Interior lights malfunction; Windshield wipers turn on uncontrollably and will not turn off; Turn signals fail to work or operate incorrectly; Windows and door locks operate randomly (locking/unlocking/opening when vehicle is off); Heated seats malfunction; Radio/CD player fails; Airbag warning light flashes; Engine stalling at various speeds (overlaps with ignition failures); Difficulty starting engine; Engine will not shut off (stuck in run position)
Codes mentioned:TIPM failure, Electronic Throttle Control light blinking
Repairs/costs cited: Mechanic and dealership confirmations of TIPM failure documented. Replacement cost cited as approximately $1,500. One owner reports mechanic stated replacement is safety critical and will prevent continued stalling at high speeds. Dealers unable to diagnose with code readers; multiple owners report diagnostic readers pulling up as Chrysler Town and Country instead of VW. One owner reports parts sourced for Dodge Neon instead of appropriate VW part.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Mechanics confirm this is well-known issue with Routan. VW has not issued recall for TIPM despite identical part being recalled in Chrysler/Dodge vehicles (Dodge and Chrysler TIPM recalls already in place). One owner reports dealership advised this issue was reason Routan was discontinued. VW refuses to recall or repair Routans with TIPM failures, citing lack of recall coverage despite documented knowledge of defect.
Automatic sliding door malfunction with child safety hazard
Powered sliding doors fail to operate as designed, creating entrapment and crushing hazard for occupants. Doors fail to lock when opened, close unexpectedly on children, and spontaneously open when vehicle is parked, creating security risk. One owner reports children sustained injuries from door closures.
When: Recurring throughout vehicle ownership. Issue noted by multiple owners as ongoing safety hazard.
Symptoms owners cite: Doors close rapidly when manually triggered to open, not locking in open position; Doors fail to stay open when manually opened; Doors close on children and passengers; Doors spontaneously open while vehicle parked; Doors fail to lock closed, creating security vulnerability
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented in owner narratives. Dealerships reportedly unable to address this issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer action documented. Owners report taking vehicle to VW service multiple times with inability to replicate or repair issue.
Transmission engagement and reverse gear issues
Vehicle experiences difficulty shifting out of park and jerking/stuttering in reverse gear with loss of torque. Owners report needing to turn ignition key multiple times before shifter will move or engage drive.
When: Documented at various mileages; one instance at low mileage (new vehicle).
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle will not shift out of park (ESP/ABS light illuminates, brake not detected); Reverse gear stutters and jerks with little torque; Requires shutting car off and restarting multiple times to shift gears; Shift key stuck or difficult to turn
Codes mentioned:ESP/ABS light
Repairs/costs cited: VW replaced transmission at 12,000 miles per one owner report. Dealerships unable to replicate issues on some occasions.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: VW transmission replaced under warranty at 12,000 miles for one owner, suggesting acknowledgment of defect at least in early vehicle lifecycle. Other owners report inability to replicate and therefore no repair offered.
Engine code reader misidentification and parts interchange errors
Diagnostic tools fail to recognize 2010 Routan as a VW, instead identifying it as a Chrysler Town and Country, leading to incorrect parts being sourced and installed. This reflects the Routan being built on Chrysler platform with Chrysler components (Chrysler engine, TIPM, etc.), creating diagnostic and repair confusion.
When: Documented when vehicle taken for diagnosis and repair.
Symptoms owners cite: Snap-on diagnostic reader identifies vehicle as Chrysler Town and Country instead of VW; Wrong parts sourced (e.g., brake light module for Dodge Neon installed); Dealership confusion about vehicle origin and appropriate parts
Codes mentioned:Reader misidentification as Chrysler platform
Repairs/costs cited: Incorrect Dodge Neon brake light module installed on at least one vehicle. Dealership unable to identify correct parts due to platform confusion.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No corrective action documented. VW did not clearly communicate to owners or dealerships that Routan was built on Chrysler platform with Chrysler components, creating systematic confusion.
Synthesized from 136 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer
allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting
9 most recent
electrical
· filed 12/21/2022
While driving the car the car shut off causing an issue with the steering and brakes. This is the second time this has happened. in trying to duplicate the issue, with the car in park and running we were able to duplicate it by wiggling the key fob while it is in the switch. We were able to do this 3x. We search out a recall notice for our year, make and model related to this issue. When we…
electrical · 77,000 mi
· filed 12/19/2016
The key slips out of the on position and the electronic system does not engage. I thought my vehicle was part of the recall issued by vw in 2015 (part 573 safety recall), but when I took it to the dealer to be diagnosed and repaired, I was informed that this recall is VIN specific and my VIN was not a part of the recall and therefore the repair would not be covered by vw. I called vw and they…
electrical
· filed 12/15/2019
It turns on all the lights on the dashboard saying it needs auto assist service there is no problem with it the dealer cannot take care of it because they don't take care of Volkswagen routan no more
electrical · 124,000 mi
· filed 12/01/2021
The contact owns a 2010 Volkswagen Routan. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would shut off without warning. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V194000 (Electrical System) however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not taken to a local dealer to be inspected. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and…
electrical · 2,800 mi
· filed 11/22/2010
Tl*the contact owns a 2010 Volkswagen routan. The contact stated that while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle lost power and shut off without warning. The contact was concerned that a crash would result. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the computer system was re-flashed and the ABS module was replaced; the failure continued. The contact called the manufacturer but had yet to be…
electrical · 84,000 mi
· filed 11/18/2015
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Volkswagen routan. While driving various speeds, the vehicle stalled and various warning lights illuminated. In addition, various electrical functions were lost. The vehicle was able to restart after multiple attempts. The failure recurred intermittently. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the ignition switch needed to be…
electrical · 100,000 mi
· filed 11/15/2014
I began to experience engine shut down and returned the vehicle to xxxx on 10/17/14. Xxxx was unable to find or remedy the problem. They told me to take the vehicle to the dealer as the problems that I experienced were the reason for a recall. I contacted xxxx Volkswagen. Xxx Volkswagen technicians drove my car intermittently over a four day period, their technicians were unable to verify…
electrical · 30,000 mi
· filed 11/13/2020
Contacted orlando Volkswagen south 5474 s. Orange blossom trail orlando fl 32839 (866) 318-7865 (407) 581-0665 https://www.orlandovwsouth.com was told they do not do the recall. Contacted dealer in 2015 and now with no remedy. When driving the car will turn off and lose all power. Has happened 10 to 20 times and is very dangerous.
electrical
· filed 11/12/2024
I bought this van just a few weeks ago. One day I was driving and all a sudden it lost power while in motion. This has happened 4xs so far. It could've resulted in the inability to stop my vehicle as the brakes are stiff after the power & engine stop working. It could've resulted in either I hit someone or someone could've hit me. My cousins husband had a town and country that did this &…
Had electrical trouble with your 2010 Volkswagen Routan?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the electrical problem on the 2010 Volkswagen Routan?
It's a meaningful issue. 136 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $850.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 106 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 51,186 and 104,000 miles, with the median around 80,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 51,186; a quarter make it past 104,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $850 for electrical repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to electrical?
Yes — 2 active recall(s) cover electrical issues on this vehicle. Recall fixes are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status. Use the VIN decoder at the top of the page to check if your specific vehicle is affected.
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2010/Volkswagen/Routan.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.